By David Karas | Correspondent

 Victoria Kovarik, a seventh grade student in St. Paul School, Princeton, placed third in an essay contest that challenged students to craft letters to Pope Francis.

The contest was sponsored by the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, and was part of the Maryknoll Magazine’s 26th annual student essay context. This year’s essay theme challenged students to write a letter to Pope Francis explaining how the student, or another young person, has followed the Pope’s theme for young people – “Have courage. Go forward. Make noise.”

Kovarik’s third place win grouped her with other winners hailing from Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas and the Federated States of Micronesia. The winning essays were carefully culled from about 8,000 entries received from around the world, and some $3,000 in cash prizes were shared by the various winners.

St. Paul seventh-grade teacher Sally Chrisman said that this year’s theme dovetailed well with her existing curriculum.

“The topic worked beautifully with my classroom theme of thirsting for social justice in our community, country and the world,” she said. “Although the contest instructions were challenging, I know I have very strong, compassionate writers, and preparing the letters gave us excellent opportunities for thought-provoking conversations.”

She added her praise of Kovarik’s writing, and her contest win.

“Victoria constantly impresses me with her quiet kindness and her lyrical writing,” she said. “I am so proud of her.”

Kovarik said, however, that she never could have expected being selected as one of the winners.

“…I never thought I’d win, but reading about Pope Francis’ advice to young people to have courage, go forward, and make noise to build a better world helped me think about these kinds of topics and helped me write about emotions,” she explained. “Now it’s also really helping me to write the social justice paper I am working on now.”

She added some advice that she would share with her peers, both in St. Paul School and beyond.

“Writing the letter to the Pope encouraged me,” she said, “and I want to tell other kids, don’t give up, you’ll find your strong point one day, and everyone is creative.”

According to the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, a panel of more than 50 judges – Maryknoll missioners – reviewed the many essay submissions.

“In their letters, the students explained the countless projects and programs that they and friends support, and, in many instances, organize, as their opportunities to ‘make noise’ and help others,” a release from the organization read. “The activities included assisting fellow students who are facing serious medical issues, reaching out to the elderly in communities and even traveling to other countries to connect with children who struggle daily in poverty.”

Father Emile Dumas, one of the Maryknoll Fathers who helped judge the contest, shared his joy at reading the entries.

“It was a blessing to have a chance to read some of the entries,” he said. “They inspired me and filled me with hope for our future missionaries.”